REVIEW: Megabass Destroyer Phase 3 – Deep Throat F0-68XS
The “Destroyer Phase 3 – Deep Throat” is one hell of a name which could be easily mistaken for an adult film rather than a high end fishing tool. After only seeing and hearing positive words about this rod for over a year I bit the bullet and bought myself one from Japan without ever handling the rod before. A risky move you might be thinking? Read on to find out the result…
Specifications | |
Model | Deep Throat F0-68XS |
Type | Spin |
Sections | 1 |
Length | 203cm / 6’8” |
Action | Light |
Taper | Medium Fast |
Cast Weight | 1/64th – 3/16th oz |
Physical Weight | 106g |
Line Rating | 2-8lb |
RRP | $769.00 AUD |
FEATURES
- Fuji K Frame Titanium SiC Guides
- Fuji VSS Reel Seat With Rubberised finish
- AA Grade Cork
IMPRESSIONS
The first thing you notice when you hold a Megabass Rod is the unique style and feel they have. It quickly becomes apparent that build quality is up there with very best, from the cork grips and winding checks to the bindings and guide alignment all of which express the meticulous care and craftsmanship that Megabass has become synonymous for.
The finish on the guide wraps is fantastic. The green thread work with the gold and purple accents really add to the styling of the rod.The Destroyer Phase 3 range has a somewhat understated look (when compared to other rods from this manufacturer), Its not until you take a closer look at this rod that you start to notice the finer details which really set it apart from other production rods. Most noticeable are the laser etched gold butt cap, machined aluminum check at the top of the fore grip and the use of carbon fibre accents that blend in seamlessly with the rest of the black colour scheme. The shape of the cork grips is also quite unique, sporting a slim but very comfortable design.
The laser etched gold butt cap is recessed about 5mm into the butt of the rod which helps protect it from damage. Another example of the quality finishing on this rod. A machined aluminum check with the MEGABASS name perfectly spaced out adds some subtle bling.When I first picked the rod up and gave it that typical wiggle, as we all do in the tackle shops I didn’t quite know what I thought, it did feel a little lack luster to me. But it’s not until you start fishing the rod that you really see how good it is.
CASTING
Casting has to be one of my favourite things about this rod. The responsive blank combined with the Fuji K series guides works a treat. The guides do a fantastic job at controlling and choking the line peeling off the spool and the softness of the upper section of the blank makes casting smooth and effortless.
The Fuji K Titanium SiC Stripper guide does a great job at choking down the line while casting for smooth effortless casts.The top third of the rod loads up very easily and is well suited for casting a wide range of weights from weightless plastics right through to hardbodies around 8-10g. Although its max cast weight is rated at 3/16thoz (5.3g) I have cast as much as 18g with this rod and it is very capable with some minor adjustments to casting style. I found pendulum casts where you have around a rod length of line out worked best not only for this rod but whenever casting heavier than normal weights.
The use of a Fuji Ti SiC anti tip wrap guide is a must on all high end rods.At 6’8” the F0-68XS is a great all-round length, not too long or short. Casting distance is quite good for a rod of this length, as too is the accuracy which makes this such a powerful all round tool. Guide wraps are not a common occurrence thanks mainly to the design of the Fuji K series guides and I have only experienced them while fishing in strong windy conditions. The rod handles light leaders very well. I usually fish 4-8lb leaders with an “improved slim beauty” leader knot without problems. On occasions I use 10lb leaders and while the guides handle it, you can get some clunking as the knot travels through the guides, In these situations however I tend to only be doing short range casts. Softer casting and leaders no longer than a rod length definitely help when fishing heavier leaders.
ROD/BLANK
The Blank has a very unique action and feel, it is a regular tapered blank with a medium fast action. For those unfamiliar with that terminology, I’ll give you a quick run down. The taper refers to how fast the diameter of the rod blank decreases from the butt to the tip and action refers to how much of the blank bends when loaded. This rod for example has a medium fast action which translates to approximately the top third of the rod flexing when under load. This gives it a great backbone with plenty of low down grunt to pull fish from structure and gives the blank fast recovery which is really highlighted in the crispness of this rod. The blank has a matte/unvarnished finish which can mean the rod is a little more susceptible to wear and tear but this has the added benefit of keeping the rod lighter and arguably more sensitive.
APPLICATIONS
It’s capability to throw a vast range of weights comfortably means you can throw unweighted plastics and light hards at bream one day, 1/4oz spinnerbaits for Golden Perch the next day and is an awesome blading rod. Even though it has a medium fast action it still makes a fantastic slow rolling crankbait stick because of its soft tip section which helps prevent pulling fine trebles. It wouldn’t be considered a conventional soft plastics rod but I have used plastics without any problems as it’s still crisp and sensitive enough to feel taps and bites.
CONSTRUCTION/FINISH
As mentioned earlier the construction and finish is top notch. It is built with quality components and finished very well despite being made in China, clearly Megabass take great pride in their quality control. All the guides were aligned dead straight and the bindings and thread work are all fantastic. The grip configuration is great and comfortable to hold onto all day while looking awesome and unique.
The sleek stylish grip configuration and the rubberised Fuji VSS reel seat is very comfortable and looks great. The use of carbon accents and eva on the butt of the rod blends in seamlessly with the black colour scheme of the rod and makes the cork grips stand out.A couple things I could pick on would be the use of AA grade cork as there is better quality out there. There are a few more imperfections in the cork than I would like to see however it has held up well over the time I have had my rod.
The model code of the rod is printed under the varnish on the carbon reel seat locking nut so it can never be rubbed off. Some of the reel seat threads are exposed when a reel is fastened to the rod, but it is still very comfortable and I hardly notice it at all. I usually have my hand over the front piece of cork while fishing.The other gripe is the reel seat wind up nut which occasionally loosens while fishing or fighting a fish, as it has no locking mechanism. It’s nothing a little alertness won’t detect however it would be nice too see a ratcheting type device as we have become accustom to on many other high end rods from other manufactures such as Daiwa.
CONCLUSION
This rod would have to be one of the best all-rounders I have ever fished with and it really can do just about anything when it comes to light spin fishing scenarios and excels with many different lures and techniques. If you’re in the market for a new light spin rod and don’t mind spending the money for a quality stick I would definitely give the Megabass Deep Throat a look, they have recently been discontinued but can still be sourced from Japan if you know where to look and pop up for sale second hand every now and then.